15 things to expect from the darker second season of ‘Riverdale’

As the hit CW show returns for its second season Wednesday with more drama and even more episodes, we've compiled a list of some of the details that have emerged over the past few months. While everyone involved with the show has been fairly mum on spoilers, casting news and behind-the-scenes photos have given us a sneak peek at what to expect.

Here's what to know about the show's second season:

1/

There are three new Serpents, most notably Toni Topaz.

Vanessa Morgan, known for appearing on "The Shannara Chronicles," is playing Topaz, a bisexual character from the comic books.

During San Diego Comic-Con "Riverdale" Creator and Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa described her as "Jughead's guide into the Serpent world."

She is joined by Jordan Connor as Sweet Pea and Drew Ray Tanner as Fangs Fogarty.

2/

Bughead's relationship will be strained.

Aguirre-Sacasa told audiences at Comic-Con, "We jokingly say that she's got a lot of the same interests as Jughead, so it's almost like she's a female Jughead. She's trouble. I think she's trouble, getting Jughead into this gang. And I think she might be trouble for Bughead."

3/

We'll get to meet Betty's brother, Chic.

In October it was announced that Hart Denton, a relatively unknown actor, was cast as Betty's long-lost brother. Betty's mom Alice revealed on season one that she had a baby boy in high school but gave him up for adoption.

4/

Veronica's ex-boyfriend is coming to town.

Veronica's ex bad boy boyfriend Nick St. Clair will be played by "The Good Wife's" Graham Phillips. His surprise appearance from New York City could cause some problems between Veronica and Archie.

"He brings out Veronica's dark side, which I don't think we really got to see in season one," Camila Mendes, who plays Veronica, said at Comic-Con.

5/

Hiram, Veronica's father, is out of prison and at home.

Hermione is standing by Hiram's side.
Bettina Strauss/The CW

Mark Consuelos joins the "Riverdale" cast as Hiram. Though he was often mentioned during season one, this is the first time he's being shown on the show. His criminal background and shifty behavior will put Veronica in a tough position.

"He's just so calm and collected, because at the end of the day, he's a businessman and he knows how to put on a face and charm people, but the whole time, I'm still suspicious," Camila Mendes said of Veronica. "There's a side of Veronica that really wants to know that...he's going to try to be a good person, but at the same time, he's still doing the same things he was always doing and keeping secrets with Hermione, and they're not letting Veronica cross that bridge."

Josie and Reggie may start dating.

Ashleigh Murray, who plays Josie, teased a romance for her character in a red carpet interview with E! News.

"There's going to be a love interest — a possible love interest — between Josie and Reggie," Murray said.

8/

Jughead joins the Serpents.

Jughead goes through some changes.
Dean Buscher/The CW

In an interview with Teen Vogue, Cole Sprouse confirmed that his character Jughead will join the Serpents and it's going to stir up some trouble.

"Jughead ends up joining the Serpents and he gets wrapped up in this world that forces his hand, forces him to play the game — which is something in season one he had a real aversion to," he said. "He gets himself into a lot of trouble because of his loyalty and honor to his family and friends, and it begins to make him question where his allegiance lies and what that means for his character."

9/

F.P. Jones is going to have a larger role and may be working at pops.

Skeet Ulrich was bumped up to series regular ahead of season two, meaning his character of F.P. Jones is going to play a larger role this season. As Jughead's father and the leader of the Southside Serpents, there is bound to be some familial drama. In a photo from Robert Aguirre-Sacasa's Instagram, Ulrich is wearing a uniform from Pop's Diner.

10/

Penny Peabody, known as the "Snake Charmer," is making an appearance.

"True Blood" star Brit Morgan was cast as the "Snake Charmer" in July. The attorney works closely with the Southside Serpents and trades her legal advice for favors, which could spell trouble for Jughead as he seeks a way to get his dad out of jail.

11/

Kevin is getting another love interest.

Kevin and Joaquin were cute.
The CW

Kevin was dating Southside Serpent Joaquin on season one, but he left town after F.P. was arrested. In an interview with Teen Vogue, actor Casey Cott teased more lasting relationships for Kevin.

"I think what's cool about Kevin in season two is we kind of explore many different kinds of love interests, the same way that high schoolers do," he said. "Some are people you just meet, but are quick; sometimes you find a long-lasting relationship...I think a bigger, more long-term relationship is coming for Kevin very soon."

Polly Cooper will give birth to her twins onscreen.

Betty might be fixing cars.

Betty is a skilled mechanic in the original comics. And according to some behind-the-scenes photos, her TV character might be going to the same direction.

14/

The "Sugar Man" is coming to town.

Whoever this mysterious character is, it looks like Cheryl is going to be tied up with him in some way, as the creepy drawing includes her and Jason. Considering the Blossoms' involvement with the drug trade, Sugar Man could very well be supplying drugs to people around Riverdale.

15/

Things are getting more dangerous in Riverdale.

Archie is trying to save his dad.
Dean Buscher/The CW

Season one ended with Fred Andrews being shot and we'll learn his fate during the first episode of season two, but the show is definitely going to continue taking a darker tone. Archie gets his hand on a gun in a trailer and what he intends on doing with it remains to be seen.

As Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told Variety, "The stakes for more of the characters are going to actually be life and death."